Launch your health-care career as a massage therapist
Massage Therapy Ontario College Advanced Diploma program
Develop your clinical and professional skills in our state-of-the-art clinic. Jump-start your career in just two years with our fast-track program.
Program information
Program description
The philosophy and curriculum of this collaborative program incorporates and utilizes evidence-based practice, clinical decision making, and therapeutic relationships as the basis of massage therapy. Students work collaboratively with peers and faculty to develop massage knowledge and skills that meet the Inter-Jurisdictional Practice Competencies and Performance Indicators as set out by the Federation of Massage Therapy Regulatory Authorities of Canada.
In the classroom, students focus on the theoretical frameworks that relate to massage and applied sciences. In the lab and clinic setting, students integrate knowledge from program courses to provide evidence-based, client-centred care. Under the guidance of a Registered Massage Therapist, students both receive and perform treatments. Students engage in diverse practicum experiences by practicing in a variety of clinics and outreaches including a field placement. Please note that students are required to provide their own transportation to practicum placements.
Mission statement: Through a student-centred environment focused on success, Georgian’s Massage Therapy graduates are competent, professional therapists who are accountable for the standards of the profession, and are responsive to the needs of the consumer.
Flexible progression: Massage Therapy is a fast-track program delivered in six consecutive semesters. There may be flexibility to take a break between semesters. Connect with your program co-ordinator to explore possibilities.
Intake information
| Start date | Campus |
|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Barrie |
| Fall 2023 | Barrie |
Tuition and fees
- Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
- You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.
Work-integrated learning
This program includes a clinical placement component where you will gain practical work experience under the supervision of a registered or licensed professional.
What are the admission requirements for the Massage Therapy program?
Massage Therapy admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required)
- It is recommended that a student take one additional science (Physics, Chemistry, Exercise Science or Introductory Kinesiology)
Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to: www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/academic-regulations/
Pathways
Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:
www.georgiancollege.ca/admissions/credit-transfer/
Additional information
A current police record check including a vulnerable sector check will be required six weeks prior to the first day of class.
Applicants must have an up-to-date immunization record in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act. Completion and submission of this record is required prior to semester 3 in order to ensure your placement in clinical and field placement facilities. Students who do not provide ongoing proof, will be unable to complete clinic and field placements.
A Hepatitis B vaccination is required for your own safety.
To be eligible for all practicum placements, students must have:
- Level HCP CPR and Standard First Aid. Level HCP CPR must be renewed annually while in the program
- A completed Clinical Preparedness Permit
- A current police record check including a vulnerable sector check will be required annually
- A record of a mask fit test, renewed every two years
What career paths can I take as a massage therapist?
Your Massage Therapy diploma gives you many career opportunities
A Massage Therapist is a valued member of the Health Care Team. Once registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, graduates are qualified to work as a primary health care provider who supports and promotes the health, well-being, and quality of life of their clients. Graduates may give direct patient care in a variety of inter-professional settings including:
- private practice
- massage, chiropractic and physiotherapy clinics
- interdisciplinary clinics
- hospitals
- long term care facilities
- sports teams
- fitness institutes
- private corporations/industries
- teaching environments
Pathways
Turn your Massage Therapy diploma into a degree!
Upon graduating from Georgian’s Massage Therapy advanced diploma program, consider furthering your studies.
Georgian has several articulation agreements with a number of university programs offering many desirable options for our graduates.
Accreditation
Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA)
The Massage Therapy program at Georgian College is accredited by the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA).
“CMTCA’s rigorous standards and comprehensive accreditation process help education programs strengthen and improve the quality of the education they provide. Students of CMTCA-accredited programs can be confident that their training is helping them become qualified, competent, and caring health care professionals.” (Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation, https://www.cmtca.ca/)
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)
Georgian’s Massage Therapy program is recognized by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). As a graduate, you’ll be eligible to write the registration examination to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).
“The [CMTO] is the regulatory body that oversees Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs/MTs) working in the province. CMTO receives its authority from the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Massage Therapy Act, 1991. CMTO is not a school or an organization that advocates on behalf of RMTs. CMTO exists to protect the public interest.” (College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, https://www.cmto.com/about-cmto/what-we-do/)
Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO)
Massage Therapy students and graduates are eligible to become members of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO).
“The [RMTAO] is a member-driven, not-for-profit professional association for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in Ontario. The RMTAO exists in order to advance the profession of massage therapy in Ontario. The RMTAO advocates on behalf of the profession and provides resources and opportunities to help RMTs improve their knowledge, navigate the latest research and grow their practices.” (Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario, https://www.rmtao.com/about-rmtao/whatwedo)
What courses are included in the Massage Therapy diploma program?
Course overview
26 Program Courses
9 Clinical Placements
1 Field Placement
2 Communications Courses
3 General Education Courses
Program-specific courses
Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Massage Therapy program outline.
- BIOL 1037 – Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapy 1
- MASG 1008 – Professionalism in Massage Therapy 1
- MASG 1010 – Practice Consolidation 1
- MASG 1014 – Clinical Anatomy 1
- MASG 1015 – Massage Theory and Treatment Techniques 1
- Select 1 course from the communications list during registration.
Do you have questions about Massage Therapy? Contact us!
Thinking about applying to Georgian?
Contact our student recruitment team to explore your study options.
- 705.722.5152
- recruitment@georgiancollege.ca
Already applied to Georgian?
Connect with the Office of the Registrar for admissions-related questions.
- 705.722.1511
- registrar@georgiancollege.ca
Are you an international student?
Contact our international recruitment team to learn more about studying at Georgian.
- 705.722.5158
- international@georgiancollege.ca
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